Morb's Dollzhouse

I don’t like the new Monster High dolls. They’re supposed to look wide-eyed and cute, which is a) not remotely MH and b) makes them look goofy. This new Clawdeen just isn’t the Clawdeen we know and love. I do quite like the new characters, because there’s nothing to compare with. But look at the shoddy paintwork on poor Sylvi Timberwolf’s fangs! Do put some effort in, Mattel.

The new-look Nefera de Nile, with the wave 1 doll for comparison. She’s better than most of the new dolls, with their goopy goggling eyes, but I don’t warm to her. The face shape, with square chin and razor-sharp cheekbones, is rather lovely, but the hair is a disaster. So flat, and with the fringe hiding a third of her face, it gives her a squashed, pinched look. Nefera 1 was a bronzed Egyptian princess, kissed by the Egyptian sun; this pale-skinned replica is a WASP all done up for a fancy-dress party.

All the new Monster High dolls now have the disastrous “cute” new face-up. On the left here we see Spectra Vondergeist with her aloof expression and sculpted cheekbones. On the right is a new ghost doll, Ari Hauntington: note the big soupy eyes and the blank smile. A nicely made doll, but bland and characterless. Spectra has been discontinued. Ari is the future of ghostliness at Monster High.